BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT

Ballast water has been in use for more than a century and is a major contributor to the safety of ocean going vessels. However, in recent years, it has become apparent that the discharge of ballast water in harbours has brought with it some unwelcome guests. Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are marine organisms accidentally transported from one habitat to another. If released into an environment where there are no natural predators, they can soon become the dominant species causing enormous ecological and financial damage.

In a growing a number of countries this problem is now so acute that some governments will not let ships trade effectively if they do not operate a well documented ballast water management programme. This requires that ships maintain an accurate record of where and how much ballast water has been loaded and discharged. There is also a demand that vessels operating in areas that are at greatest risk, conduct mid-ocean ballast water exchange.

Ballast Water Management covers these issues. The package is aimed at raising awareness among officers and crew. It presents the problems, examines some well known incidents, looks at how mariners can approach mid-ocean ballast water exchange, and examines some of the alternatives that are becoming available. This video offers practical information and is supported by comprehensive written material to help the Master operate an effective ballast water management program.